Category Archives: leisure

NEW FIND! PRETTY TRUE VINTAGE DRESSING GOWN BY CHRISTIAN DIOR

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UNION-MADE IN THE U.S.A. FOR THE CHRISTIAN DIOR LINE

This traditionally-styled wrapper comes from the Fifties or early 1960’s.  It’s got the hallmark generous hemline,  two on-seam pockets, carefully-constructed bodice with lace and eyelet, ribbon, elaborate decoration and pearlized plastic buttons on stems.  Take a close-up look.

I can’t believe the perfect condition!  Hardly looks worn at all.  It’s a feather-light cotton blend to be washed by hand.  I’ll love this one for a long time . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S/1970’S MEN’S LEISURE SLACKS

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ANOTHER NEW FIND.  SOME OF THOSE AWFUL MID-CENTURY SLACKS, IN BEAUTIFUL CONDITION.  THESE ARE SO FUNNY, I COULDN’T RESIST!

With a sports shirt and maybe a dark brown poly sports jacket, you’d be right there in 1970’s style.  Put on a different top and jacket and you could go late Sixties.  Well, I guess they were cool then, and they’re cool now – for a different reason.

This pair was made by the Haggar company, which did make decent slacks, and they’re in great shape.  The fabric feels very nice to touch and I’d wear them, too, if they were in a suitable size.

And the checked pattern – so iconic – much better than similar ones in a plain color.  One thing about the poly knits, they did last pretty well if they were taken care of BUT it’s still not common to find men’s garments this well-preserved.  So, it’s another treasure for the archives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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A TRUE VINTAGE SUCCESS STORY FROM THE 1940’S AND A CAUTIONARY TALE

WHAT YOU SEE IS NOT WHAT I GOT!! A SUCCESS STORY AND A CAUTIONARY TALE

I absolutely adore this jacket. AND, it’s got a real story – The silk pants are not original, but the greenish bronze is a good match to the trim and I wear them with the jacket as loungewear.

When I first bought this jacket, it was a light lemon yellow, with emerald green embroidered trim, in a very large size.  From the  1940’s, the fabric was  a mystery – probably acetate or some blend.

It had been sold by a well-known (back in the day) Denver department store and carried their label.  I enjoyed wearing it as a wrap over strappy dresses or with skirts and light blouses. Yellow is not my best color, but it still worked.

After several years, I wondered how it might be to dye it a more flattering color – so, out came the scarlet dye and into the washing machine it went.  I’ve done this a number of times and have a system that USUALLY works – it’s ALWAYS a gamble.

So, what I got was a beautiful orange-red jacket with bronze embroidery (love it!) and in a size that fits me perfectly. Surprise!!

Could have been a disaster if I was not somewhat experienced and prepared.  Colors can turn out blotchy, seams can rip, fabrics can pucker and shrink beyond belief!!  Just a heads – up – the possibilities for success are endless, but so are the hazards, so here’s a word to the wise . . . . . . . . . … . . . . . . . . . learn your stuff well, then you can be adventurous!

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

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MY SECOND MEN’S BATHROBE FROM THE ’50’S – ’60’S, WITH A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT VIBE

MY SECOND MEN'S BATHROBE FROM THE '50'S - '60'S, WITH A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT VIBE

You see how classic – this robe is made in the same style as the one I showed a few days ago, with the same, now rare, black satin trim. However, the feel is completely different.

This robe is of Sanforized cotton, in a very traditional medallion print. The fabric is slightly lighter-weight and much more “conservative”.

I suspect that this robe is also from the 1950’s, or  the late 1940’s. Menswear has rarely been as lavish as women’s and this one was not a luxury item, but these satin-trimmed robes are special.

Makes me think of a man of distinction; a real big spender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

ANOTHER NEW FIND! TRUE VINTAGE 1960’S HOSTESS ROBE

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Oh, I love these heavy nylon lounging robes from the Sixties!  And, what better color?  I’m in heaven.

The great things about these, after the fabulous fabric, is the easy zip-front styling and the gorgeous trim they often used.  In this case, it’s beautiful embroidered ribbon with gold thread.  Nothing says casual at-home elegance any better.

As you can see, these housecoats, when made as well as this one, can last forever and look just as beautiful every year.  They’re also multiple-use garments – from covering up after a bath, to lounging at home to entertaining at a casual party.

Very festive – just right for the Holidays.  Being an undercover artist requires impeccable timing . . . . . . . . . . . ..

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

TRUE VINTAGE ROBES AND DRESSING GOWNS FROM THE LATE 1930’S – 1940’S

WHAT CAN I SAY – TRUE GLAMOUR ALWAYS SPEAKS FOR ITSELF . . . . . ..

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

TRUE VINTAGE ROBES AND DRESSING GOWNS FROM THE LATE 1930'S - 1940'S

We’ve done a little film noir leisure dressing for the men, so here are 3 of my very favorite women’s things of the same era.  The fabulous ’30’s robe with shoulder pads and tassels, the cute little wartime rayon dressing gown and the glam  ’40’s rayon dressing gown.  Hollywood movie star all over!

Imagine Veronica Lake or Joan Crawford sweeping into the room. Deanna Durbin would look sweet in that dressing gown.

I like to recline in one of these while sipping a cognac and reviewing the latest assignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

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SLEEK TRUE VINTAGE SIXTIES HOUSECOAT

P1010004.JPGI love robes like this so much!  The cool, heavy nylon and pretty embroidered ribbon trim is so stylish and luxurious.  It just says “quality” all over, and it’s RED!!!!!

It’s an easy zip-up front.  Modern ladies of the mid-late 1960’s loved wearing these for leisure and as hostess gowns.  A little bit of at-home elegance . . . . . . . . .

MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY

BLOG:  MAGICVINTAGESPY.COM

BOOK:  HOW TO FIND THE BEST IN VINTAGE FASHION – AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM

 

 

MEN’S CLASSIC DESIGN BATHROBE – TRUE VINTAGE ’40’S, ’50’S, ‘6OS

GET THE FIRES GOING. LOUNGE-AT-HOME DAYS ARE WONDERFUL !

Morgana Martin, the magicvintagespy's avatarMagicvintagespy

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I know Madge doesn’t look much like your granddad, but she was handy. These are just about my favorite men’s robes – with the black satin accents. Not easy to find now!

This is such a classic style that it’s difficult to be sure what decade it’s from. The pattern is helpful and the type of fabric, as well as other clues. The satin trim is rare.

Almost every old movie has scenes with men at home, wearing something like this. Especially if the man is enjoying his leisure hours, it really takes me back to classic cinema. Beats a track suit any day.

The thing about this style is that it is also deadly attractive on women. There’s something very fun and sexy about wearing your partner’s clothing once in a while – from shirts and PJs to robes, sweaters and jackets. Other stuff doesn’t usually work too well…

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FABULOUS FINDS FROM THE FORTIES – TRUE VINTAGE DRESSING GOWNS

FABULOUS FINDS FROM THE FORTIES – TRUE VINTAGE DRESSING GOWNS.

TRUE VINTAGE VICTORIAN/PRAIRIE-STYLE GOWN FROM THE ’60’S

TRUE VINTAGE VICTORIAN/PRAIRIE-STYLE GOWN FROM THE '60'S.